Films starring actors who fled Russia following the start of a special military operation in Ukraine should not be released. This was announced today, August 26, by director Nikita Mikhalkov at a press briefing at the Moscow International Film Festival (MIFF), of which he is president.
“My attitude to this is very definite: no, do not release. These are people who left and speak disparagingly, insultingly regarding the country that made them. Which made them popular, which loved them, idolized them, which gave them the opportunity to live comfortably, which gave them the opportunity to do what they want, for state money, moreover, in many ways, ” – he said.
He explained that “ungratefulness must be somehow appreciated,” and the actors who left Russia made their choice.
At the same time, Mikhalkov urged not to confuse the current “emigrants” with people who were expelled from the country in the 1920s.
“They did not leave their homeland, they did not accept power. And as a result, they created a fantastic immigrant culture. Maybe the thing is rather controversial, but I don’t think that if Shmeleva not expelled from Russia, he would have written “Summer of the Lord” and Bunin would write “Dark Alleys””, he added.
The Moscow International Film Festival will be held in Moscow from August 26 to September 2, and will present more than 230 films from 65 countries. The main competition included 13 films, including three films from Russia.
